Politicians, pastors protest downtown Chicago as House gears up to vote on Trump's 'big beautiful bill,' citing Medicaid cut fears
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Protesters in Chicago gathered on Wednesday to express their disapproval of President Donald Trump’s extensive tax and spending plan, urging Congress to reject the proposal.

Trump’s bill is now in the hands of the House of Representatives with a good deal of uncertainty about its future.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

There is a lot of political pressure being exerted on both sides of the debate on the bill.

President Trump and his supporters are striving to unify Republicans in favor of the bill, as Democrats and their allies put up a strong opposition to thwart its progress.

Religious leaders and politicians came together at Federal Plaza on Wednesday morning, united in delivering a firm message to Congress concerning the president’s touted major legislative initiative.

“This bill is not beautiful and is not particularly complicated. It is reverse Robin Hood. It is taking from the poor and giving to the rich,” the Rev. Marshall Hatch said.

Demonstrators renamed the mega-bill the “bad ugly bill.”

“Let me be clear: We do not care what party you belong to. If you support this bill, you will see us in your offices, at your town halls and your streets,” said Artinese Myrick, with Live Free.

There are concerns about how the bill would cut nutritional food assistance for the needy.

“We run a food pantry on 79th Street right now. By the end of each week, we run out of food. When the SNAP cuts and the Medicaid cuts go through, we will turn away probably approximately three to 400 people a week that we can no longer feed,” said Fr. Mike Pfleger, with St. Sabina Church.

There are also concerns about cuts to Medicaid and the fallout for safety net hospitals. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will cost 11.8 million Americans their health care coverage over the next decade.

“If you’re a young mother raising young children and you’re on Medicaid, your Medicaid benefits are not going to change or be altered. If you’re a senior citizen and this is the only thing you rely on, is Medicaid, that’s not going to be altered or changed,” said Republican Rep. Darin LaHood, who represents central and northwestern Illinois.

LaHood says Medicaid will be cut for non-citizens and for able-bodied adults who can work.

Republicans also tout the fact the bill will eliminate taxes on tips and overtime.

“This may not be perfect for everybody. But, overall, it’s going to do a lot to get the economy back on track, to put more money in the pockets of working people,” LaHood said.

Democrats on Capitol Hill are vowing to fight.

“We are fighting for everyone in this bill, in this place. But let’s go, and let’s go vote hell no on the betrayal bill of Donald Trump,” said Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez, who represents Chicago and the west suburbs.

What’s not clear is when there will be a vote on the bill.

Speaker Mike Johnson does not want to make any changes because then it would have to go back to the Senate for another vote.

So, for now, the standoff on Capitol Hill continues.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Israel strikes Syria's military headquarters as the regime clashes with Druze civilians

Israeli Forces Target Syria’s Military HQ Amid Tensions with Druze Civilians

Israel announced on Wednesday that its forces struck near the entrance of…
Kim Jong Un sitting at a table.

Kim Jong-un Seeks Ozempic at Any Cost, Plans Trials on Civilians First

KIM Jong-un is “sparing no effort or expense” to get his hands…
Headshot of Andy Byron.

Father Named Andy Byron Harassed with Abusive Messages Due to Mistaken Identity as Tech CEO in Coldplay Kiss Cam Controversy

A MAN with the same name as “cheating” CEO Andy Byron had…
Developing: Suspect Rams Car Into L.A. Crowd, Dozens Injured, At Least One Person Shot

Breaking: Car Plows Into Los Angeles Crowd, Leaving Dozens Injured, with At Least One Shot

Early Saturday morning, an unidentified suspect drove a vehicle into a group…
Knife attack at massive Portland rave leaves four teenagers wounded

Four Teenagers Injured in Knife Incident at Large Portland Rave

Authorities in Portland, Oregon are looking into an incident where four teenagers…
Ed Miliband’s deputy sent secret Whatsapp messages to Labour rebels working to torpedo PM’s welfare reforms

Ed Miliband’s Deputy Privately Coordinated with Labour Rebels to Undermine PM’s Welfare Reforms Through Whatsapp Messages

ED Miliband’s protege sent secret Whatsapp messages to Labour rebels working to…
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle mocked for second time in 'Family Guy' episode

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Satirized Again in Latest ‘Family Guy’ Episode

“Family Guy” is at it again.  The animated series once again poked…
Mayor Adams warns of dark days ahead for NYC if Zohran Mamdani wins

Mayor Adams cautions of challenging times for NYC if Zohran Mamdani triumphs

New York City would spiral into a crime-ravaged nightmare, unsafe for both…
Internet trolls roast Kiss Cam Astronomer CEO and HR chief

Internet Trolls Mock Kiss Cam Incident Involving Astronomy Company’s CEO and HR Director

It was the Coldplay canoodle heard ‘round the world — and within…
Wes Streeting speaking in the House of Commons.

Junior Doctors Earning Over £90,000 Annually Join Strikes in Pursuit of 29% Pay Increase

NEARLY 2,000 junior doctors earned over £90,000 in one year, the Sun…
Rubio says Israel strike on Syrian military headquarters ‘likely a misunderstanding’

Rubio suggests Israel’s attack on Syrian military HQ was ‘probably a mistake’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that he thinks Israel’s…
ICE arrests illegal immigrant accused of decapitating Illinois woman after judge set him free

ICE Detains Undocumented Immigrant Charged with Decapitating Illinois Woman After Release by Judge

Immigration authorities in Chicago have apprehended a Mexican illegal immigrant who is…